Performance management in the public sector

Karen Fryer, Jiju Antony, Susan Ogden

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

177 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to assess the state of performance management within the public sector and suggest areas for further research. Design - This is a theoretical paper based on a literature review. Findings - The expected improvements in performance, accountability, transparency, quality of service and value for money have not yet materialised in the public sector. There are three classes of problems with performance management in the public sector - technical, systems and involvement. Externally imposed restructurings and reorganisations restrict the successful implementation of performance management. Research limitations/implications - The paper is theoretical, and empirical research to test the results is required. Practical implications - The findings can be used to enhance performance management systems within both the public and private sectors. Originality/value - The paper provides an overview of the state of performance management and measurement within public sector organisations and explains the possible unwelcome effects of performance management. It divides the problems into three categories and offers suggestions for improvement.

Original languageBritish English
Pages (from-to)478-498
Number of pages21
JournalInternational Journal of Public Sector Management
Volume22
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 28 Aug 2009

Keywords

  • Change management
  • Performance management
  • Performance measurement(quality)
  • Public sector organizations

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